Spatial patterns of leprosy in an urban area of central Brazil
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1995
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Reported is the spatial variation of leprosy in an urban area of Brazil and its correlation with socioeconomic
indicators. From November 1991 to October 1992 a total of 752 newly diagnosed leprosy
patients who were attending all outpatient clinics in Goiania city, central Brazil, were identified. A database
of leprosy cases was set up linking patients' addresses to 64 urban districts. Leprosy cases were
detected in 86% of the districts and three risk strata were identified. The highest-risk area for leprosy
was in the outskirts of the city and detection rates increased on moving from more developed to poorer
areas. The risk of detecting leprosy cases was 5.3-fold greater (95% Cl: 3.8-7.4) in the outskirts of the
town than in the central zone.
Discussed are the methodological issues related to leprosy case ascertainment, completeness and
reliability of information, and the interpretation of the spatial distribution of leprosy per unit area. Highlighted
also are the lack of leprosy control activities in primary health care units and the usefulness of
geographical analysis in planning health services.
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MARTELLI, C. M. T. et. al. Spatial patterns of leprosy in an urban area of central Brazil. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Geneva, v. 73, n. 3, p. 315-319, 1995.